NUTRIENT BALANCE AND BODY-COMPOSITION

The prevalence of obesity in industrialized countries is increasing in spite of decreased energy and fat intakes. This trend might be mainly a consequence of a decline in energy expenditure. It is suggested her e that it might also be accounted for by the increasing proportion of protein in the diet, affecting the hormonal status. The nutrient imbal ance is particularly apparent in early childhood, when a low fat and h igh protein diet is not justified because of high energy needs for gro wth and because it is the period of high rate of myelinization of the nervous system. At later ages, the proportion of fat exceeds the recom mended level, and the protein intake remains high. A diet containing l ess animal and more vegetable products would reduce both protein and s aturated fat excesses and could help decrease metabolic risk factors.